DC has brought back a well-known Supergirl villain just as the Maiden of Might prepares for her big-screen debut this summer. The return of this classic antagonist coincides with fan anticipation around the James Gunn Supergirl villain lineup, given Gunn’s reputation for reinventing Kara’s foes creatively.
Classic Villain Reemerges in New Supergirl Comic Issue
Sophie Campbell’s Supergirl series continues with issue #9, spotlighting Supergirl surrounded by new allies and chosen family while contemplating her New Year’s resolution. However, the storyline intensifies as tensions rise between Kara and Lesla, leading Kara to send Lesla back to the Bottle City of Kandor. The issue’s dramatic cliffhanger introduces the return of Zora Black Flame Vi-Lar, a villain originating from the Silver Age of comics and a long-time enemy of Supergirl.
Zora’s Origins and Potential Role in Upcoming James Gunn Film
Originally debuting in Action Comics #304 in 1963, Zora is known as a criminal from Kandor who has frequently opposed Supergirl. Her reappearance hints at renewed chaos, with signs showing that she is seeking an alliance with Lesla. This revival comes at an intriguing moment as James Gunn prepares to direct the new Supergirl film, raising possibilities for fresh adaptations of classic villains.
Fans familiar with Gunn’s 2025 Superman movie will recall his innovative approach to antagonists, such as Ultraman. Traditionally, Ultraman is an evil counterpart of Superman from Earth-3, but Gunn merged Ultraman’s background with that of Superboy, portraying him as a creation of Lex Luthor. This blending of established lore resulted in a unique villain perspective.
Considering this creative precedent, speculation abounds about whether Gunn will similarly reimagine characters for the Supergirl film, which draws inspiration mainly from Tom King’s Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow comics. The movie may not strictly adhere to the source material, hinting at the inclusion of other familiar villains.
Potential for Classic Villains Beyond Tom King’s Comic Series
James Gunn has confirmed the film
doesn’t follow [the comic series] religiously.
This statement leaves room for the introduction of notable Supergirl villains outside Tom King’s narrative, such as Zora Black Flame, who has recently made a return in the comics. Given this flexibility, fans might see Black Flame make her cinematic debut, potentially expanding the scope of Supergirl’s adversaries on screen.
This development not only refreshes the comic book storylines but also raises anticipation regarding the villains who will challenge Supergirl in the upcoming movie. The return of Zora Black Flame in the comics signals a strategic buildup, possibly foreshadowing a major role in the film, much like Ultraman’s compelling reinterpretation.
With James Gunn’s involvement promising inventive reinterpretations and a storyline that balances comic inspiration with original twists, the reintroduction of classic villains like Zora could significantly impact the Supergirl film’s narrative complexity and fan engagement. The coming months will be crucial in revealing how these characters are reimagined and integrated into the broader superhero universe.
